Friday, April 25, 2014

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs,
Here are some of my favorite recipes this week.

Strawberry Greek Yogurt Banana Bread
Ingredients
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 3 large over-ripe bananas (mashed)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced

Directions
  1. Mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl.
  2. Mix brown sugar, bananas, eggs, vanilla extract, yogurt and strawberries in another large bowl.
  3. Mix the dryy ingredients into the wet ingredients.
  4. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
  5. Bake in a preheated 350F oven until golden brown and a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean, about 60 minutes.




Avocado Chicken Salad
Ingredients
  • 4 slices center cut bacon
  • 1 medium avocado, cubed
  • 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 cups cubed cooked skinless chicken breast
  • ½ a medium cucumber, diced
  • 2 tablespoons low fat mayonnaise
  • 2-3 tablespoons minced cilantro
  • 2 scallions (greens only)
Directions
  1. Cook the bacon according to package instructions and then lay on paper towels to drain. When cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
  2. Combine the avocado chunks and lime juice in a large mixing bowl and gently stir to coat. Add the chicken, cucumber, mayonnaise, cilantro and scallions stir gently (so as not to mash the avocado) until well mixed.

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
Ingredients
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 3/4 cups sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 (8 ounce) packages refrigerated crescent dough sheets
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.
In the bowl of a mixer, beat together the cream cheese, 1 cup of sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined and smooth.
Place one sheet of crescent dough in the prepared 9x13 pan. Spread cream cheese mixture over the dough and top with the remaining sheet of dough.
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter. Mix with a fork until combined.
Drop small pieces of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top of the dough.
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the dough has puffed and turned golden. Remove from the oven and cool before serving. (Optional: drizzle honey over the bars before serving.)

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Crop Dusting

Last week we looked at some simple and solid gray dresses. Today I think we should go a similar route and take a look at some standard yet essential black crops. You can wear them for work or play and they are all machine washable.

Almost 800 people have reviewed these pants on gap.com. I think they're doing something right.

True story, I bought these pants last week. They fit like a dream. Flats, heels, sandals, get ready closet. These pants have plans for you.

Banana Republic, Hampton Fit Sateen Pant, $79
These pants have a bit of a sheen to them which makes them very Audrey Hepburn.

Let me tell you something about Vince's pants. You are going to wear the crap out of them. They will be your go to pant for work and for Saturday night.

Not every post can be polka dots and sequins, today we focus on a staple. Try a few fits and styles, you will never regret buying a great pair of black crops.

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Somebody's Watching You

The evil eye is something that dates back centuries. Here you thought it started with the Housewives. Actually, the evil eye charm is meant to ward off injury or bad spirits; and different cultures call it different things. In Arabic ayn al-ḥasūd عين الحسود‎, in Hebrew ʿáyin hā-ráʿ עַיִן הָרַע and my personal favorite in Hawaiian maka pilau meaning stink eye. 

Let's ward off some evil with these beautiful pieces of jewelry.

Check out the blue on yellow here, it truly pops. Pair this with a chambray top or striped dress.

Need Supply Co, Evil Eye Studs, $18
Eerie slash gorgeous, right?



BaubleBar, Evil Eye Cuff, $32
This beauty also comes in silver. I love this for a colorful arm party.

Urban Outfitters, Rhinestone Evil Eye Ring, $10
A delicate yet strong ring that is sure to keep you in the clear from injury.

Evil eye, yay or nay? I'm saying yay because of these stunning pieces. Go simple with the studs or bling it out with a pendant, either way you'll be safe.

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Digging A Trench

It's April. It's raining. I know, I know, I've got you covered. Let's talk trench coats under $100.

We're starting strong. London Fog is the authority when it comes to trenches and this burst of blue is gorgeous.

Express, Boxy Trench Jacket, $59
Not so much for the standard trench? How about this boxy option that is just a little masculine.

Hello poppy. What a breath of fresh air for a cloudy day. 

A polka dot trench? I had to include this one.

Belt it, button it, just don't get soaked. What rain gear are you sporting this spring?

Be fabulous today!